Knicks D

One of the saddest things you can see on a basketball court is players willing to play defense, but stuck in a defense that doesn't work.   That's basically what the Knicks have been doing the past few years.   Unlike the Marbury Era, when no one was willing to play D, these Knicks have at least been willing.   Unfortunately, the system, that required constant switching didn't work, and couldn't since teams could easily take advantage of that with back screens, etc.

Anyway, the news out of West Point yesterday was that the Knicks only worked on defense in their first practice, and it was a new and simpler D.    Essentially, the Knicks will use their wings to funnel the ball to one side or another, instead of idiotically funneling the ball into the middle of the court.  This can lead to real zone responsibilities without a ton of man/zone switching.   This is pretty good news, because it should play into what the players can do, and have shown a willingness to do.   This should be a welcome relief to Knicks fans.